Does destroy all get around Hexproof?

Does Destroy All Get Around Hexproof?

Hexproof is a popular mechanic in Magic: The Gathering that allows creatures to ignore the effects of spells that target them. However, many players are unsure about whether certain types of spells, such as "destroy all" effects, can bypass Hexproof. In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and answer the question: Does destroy all get around Hexproof?

Key Concept: Targeting

Before we dive into the specifics of "destroy all" effects, it’s essential to understand the concept of targeting in Magic: The Gathering. A spell or ability targets a creature if it uses the exact word "target" or is an aura spell. This means that if a spell doesn’t use the word "target" or isn’t an aura spell, it’s not targeting the creature and won’t be affected by Hexproof.

"Destroy All" Effects

"Destroy all" effects, such as Lingering Souls or Mwonvuli Acid-Moss, destroy all creatures with a specific characteristic, such as a certain power or toughness. These effects don’t use the word "target" and aren’t aura spells, so they don’t target individual creatures. Instead, they apply their effect to all creatures that match the specified characteristic.

Do "Destroy All" Effects Bypass Hexproof?

Since "destroy all" effects don’t target individual creatures, they don’t interact with Hexproof. Hexproof only applies to spells or abilities that target a creature. Since "destroy all" effects don’t target creatures, Hexproof doesn’t protect against them.

Examples and Implications

Here are a few examples to illustrate how "destroy all" effects interact with Hexproof:

• Lingering Souls: This card says "Destroy all creatures with power 2 or less." Since it doesn’t target individual creatures, Hexproof doesn’t apply. All creatures with power 2 or less will be destroyed, regardless of their Hexproof.
• Mwonvuli Acid-Moss: This card says "Destroy all creatures with toughness 2 or less." Again, it doesn’t target individual creatures, so Hexproof doesn’t apply. All creatures with toughness 2 or less will be destroyed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "destroy all" effects do not bypass Hexproof. Since they don’t target individual creatures, Hexproof doesn’t apply, and the creatures with the specified characteristic will be destroyed. It’s essential to understand the concept of targeting and the language used in spell and ability text to accurately determine how Hexproof interacts with various effects.

Common Misconceptions

Some players may be confused about how "destroy all" effects interact with Hexproof. Here are a few common misconceptions:

• Misconception 1: "Destroy all" effects target creatures and are therefore affected by Hexproof. False: "Destroy all" effects don’t target creatures and don’t interact with Hexproof.
• Misconception 2: Hexproof protects against "destroy all" effects. False: Hexproof only applies to spells or abilities that target a creature, so "destroy all" effects are unaffected.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use "destroy all" effects strategically: Since "destroy all" effects don’t target individual creatures, they can be particularly effective against creatures with Hexproof. Use them to clear the board of pesky creatures and gain an advantage.
• Be aware of other effects that bypass Hexproof: While "destroy all" effects don’t target individual creatures, other effects, such as Proliferate or Epic Experiment, can bypass Hexproof. Be aware of these effects and plan accordingly.

In conclusion, "destroy all" effects do not bypass Hexproof. Understanding the concept of targeting and the language used in spell and ability text is crucial for accurately determining how Hexproof interacts with various effects. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complex world of Magic: The Gathering and make informed decisions during gameplay.